ABSTRACT
Electrocardiogram (ECG)-Derived Respiration (EDR) allows for respiration to be derived from the ECG signal, eliminating the need for a separate respiration sensor and cable. EDR is possible because the ECG electrodes on the chest move relative to the heart, varying the transthoracic impedance as the lungs expand and contract with each breath. Although this method does not provide a calibrated respiratory waveform, it is useful for determining the respiratory rate. The output of the amplifier will be analyzed in the MATLAB environment for calculation of the respiration rate. In hospitals the clinical equipment has isolated grounds that prevent the passage of AC or DC current from such equipment to the patients. Isolated grounds are a safety measure to protect patients in case of faulty equipment. In the worst situation, a direct connection between the subject and the ground of a faulty apparatus may result in a fatality.
